8 of the Best Trails for Hiking Near Berlin

From the sociable parks of central Berlin to the wilder forests and lakes on its outskirts, there are many locations in which to escape the city hubbub. The easiest way to fully embrace the slower pace of life that makes these green spaces so attractive is on foot, so we’re sharing some of the best hiking Berlin, Germany has to offer.

This 6 kilometre loop around the vast, leafy Tiergarten park is one of the best walks in Berlin for those who want to combine gentle exercise with views of iconic landmarks. It starts at the Brandenburg Gate and follows a circular route through the park and along the River Spree, taking in the Victory Column and Bellevue Palace en route. Looking for somewhere to stay nearby? Try family-friendly Novotel Berlin Am Tiergarten. 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 6 kilometres

Time: 1.25 hours

Start point: Brandenburg Gate

Getting there: Brandenburger Tor S- and U-Bahn

Also to the southeast of the city lies another of the best Berlin lake routes: Seddinpromenade. This 13-kilometre loop immerses hikers in the beauty of Wernsdorfer See nature reserve, offering up stunning views of four different lakes (Langer See, Seddinsee, Crossinsee and Zeuthener See). Although relatively long, the terrain is flat and stroller-friendly, making it ideal for all ages. 

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 13 kilometres

Time: 3 hours

Start point: Schmöckwitz

Getting there: Tram 68

For something a little more challenging, head southeast of the city to the picturesque district of Köpenick, the starting point for a beautiful 19-kilometre, half-day loop along forest paths and around Berlin’s largest lake, the Müggelsee. It’s especially known as one of the best hikes near Berlin in summer, because you can stop off at the lakefront lido for a beach picnic, game of volleyball or impromptu swim. 

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 19 kilometres

Time: 4 hours

Start point: Köpenick

Getting there: Bus 165 then tram 68

Roughly 45 minutes by car or public transport to the northwest of the city centre, you’ll find this 5-kilometre loop through the deciduous Tegel Forest. It’s a great Berlin hiking route if you have kids with you, since it starts at a game reserve where you can interact with red deer and wild boar in their natural habitat. There’s also an opportunity to detour to a forest playground. 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 5 kilometres

Time: 1.25 hours

Start point: Wildgehege Tegeler Forst

Getting there: S-Bahn S25 then bus 222

Woodlands and water are the hallmarks of all great Berlin nature walks, and this 15-kilometre out-and-back trail offers plenty of both on Düppeler Forest’s Havel riverbank. A particular highlight is 19th-century Glienicke Palace, located at the halfway point. To further explore local links to Prussian royalty, you might like to combine your hike with an overnight stay in nearby Potsdam. Mercure Hotel Potsdam City offers a convenient base in the historic centre.  

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 15 kilometres

Time: 3.5 hours

Start point: Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz

Getting there: Train RE1, RE7 or RB23 then Bus 114

If you’ve been looking at a map and wondering, “What is the forest next to Berlin?”, stay tuned. This 5.5-kilometre loop is our first foray into the mighty Grunewald Forest, focusing on the large lake on its southern border. It’s an easy, tranquil trail that hugs the shore of the Schlachtensee, providing plenty of beach access and safe swimming for all ages in summer.  

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 5.5 kilometres

Time: 1.25 hours

Start point: Spielplatz am Schlachtensee

Getting there: S-Bahn S1

This 3.7-kilometre loop may be short, but it’s also one of the most interesting walks around Berlin thanks to the forest art installation that gives it its name. Translated as Forest.Berlin.Climate, the exhibit uses information boards, boardwalks and viewing platforms to tell the story of climate change and its effects on the forest and the city itself. The easy, level trail is a lesson in the importance of preserving both with sections of woodland, waterfront and moorland scenery. 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3.7 kilometres

Time: 1 hour 

Start point: Grunewald Tower

Getting there: S-Bahn S3 then Bus 218

If you’re looking for a more challenging Berlin hike, what about this 10-kilometre loop that incorporates the Teufelsberg (Devil’s Mountain), the Drachenberg (Dragon Mountain) and the Sandgrube (sand dune)? The two “mountains” are really hills made from WWII rubble. Teufelsberg offers stunning views and the chance to tour a derelict Cold War listening station and admire remarkable street art, while the sand dune provides the best leg workout in the city! 

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 10 kilometres

Time: 2.5 hours

Start point: Mommsenstadion 

Getting there: S-Bahn S9

With so much diversity in terms of scenery, points of interest, trail length and difficulty, the answer to those asking, "Does Berlin have hiking?" is a resounding "Yes!". Thanks to the capital's efficient and wide-reaching public transport system, most trails are accessible even if you don't have a car or plan on hiring one for your visit. If you will have wheels, though, look for a Berlin hotel with free parking to keep the cost of your adventures to a minimum. ibis Berlin Messe is one such option, offering affordable rooms within 10 minutes of the hiking paradise that is Grunewald Forest.